'Come all the way' back to EU, French finance minister tells UK
Roland Lescure tells the BBC that being in the bloc enables members to better address the challenges facing the world.
By BBC News
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure has invited the UK to return to the European Union, telling the BBC that Britain would be welcome if it chose to rejoin.
His comments followed remarks by Prime Minister Andy Burnham that a second Brexit referendum could be possible in a future Labour election manifesto.
Burnham had said the UK should consider several options, including keeping the current arrangements, rejoining the EU customs union or single market, or going further and returning to the bloc.
Asked about those comments, Lescure said the British people had made their decision and that it was their right to do so.
“If they're willing to come back, they will have to decide,” he told the BBC. “But what I can tell them is: come back, anytime.”
Lescure also said the UK would be able to take part in discussions if it returned to the EU.
“Come back, and you'll be at the table, and we discuss all these things together,” he said.
The French minister said membership of the bloc enabled countries to respond more effectively to challenges facing the world.
The comments come as debate continues in the UK about the country’s future relationship with the EU, including whether closer cooperation or full membership should be considered.